Priest and Martyr (d. 1601)
His life
+ John was born in Thirsk, Yorkshire, England.
+ After studying in the English seminary in Rheims, France, he was ordained a priest in 1587.
+ John returned to his homeland as a missionary-priest for England’s persecuted Catholics in 1588.
+ After years of clandestine ministry, he was arrested in Morton-in-Marsh, Gloucester, in 1593, for the “crime” of being a priest.
+ After escaping prison, he returned to Gloucester, but was captured the following day. He was convicted and condemned for treason on July 1, 1595.
+ Blessed John Pibush endured five years in prison, during which time he ministered to other imprisoned Catholics whenever he could. He was hanged on February 18, 1601, at St. Thomas’s Waterings, Camberwell, England, and was beatified with other English martyrs in 1929.
For prayer and reflection
“The saints find their home in the kingdom of heaven; their life is eternal peace.”—Magnificat Antiphon from Common of Martyrs (Liturgy of the Hours)
Prayer
All powerful, ever living God,
You gave Blessed John the courage to witness to the Gospel of Christ,
even to the point of giving his life for it.
By his prayers help us to endure all suffering for love of you
and to seek you with all our hearts,
for you alone are the source of life.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Liturgy of the Hours: Common of Martyrs—For One Martyr)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
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